As a senior preparing to leave the high school I attended for four full years, it is important to me that I leave behind a better environment. The first step in solving any serious issue is leadership. I came to this realization a year ago and decided to take initiative, founding a club starting out with just three members I called “At the Top it’s Lonely.” The name appealed to me because I felt that a large part of why so many kids vape and drink today is a loneliness that is especially prevalent in those who top the social hierarchy. It is also a play-on words, as “it’s lonely at the top” is a brag used by many who are insecure in their true abilities. Seeing more and more of my peers join the club became a huge source of inspiration for me, especially as I began to see students from many different backgrounds who feel as strongly as I do emerge from the shadows. Our meetings began as informal discussions about the harmful substances and behavior that we have noticed and felt needed to be stopped. As our membership grew, we set aside specific meeting dates in and out of school during which we decided on small actions we could take to help our cause. 

As many of you know, vaping and the use of other harmful substances is taking control over the life of high schoolers all around the world. A week ago, my club and I launched a contest for 50 high school students in my school who are struggling with a nicotine, alcohol, and/or weed addiction. Studies have shown that it takes approximately 40 days to break a bad habit. The contest requires the participants to be clean from all substances for 40 days. Those who complete the full 40 days will be rewarded with a celebratory dinner at a luxurious restaurant, and for that we need your help. I invite you to support my cause by making a contribution towards this celebratory dinner which will reward and motivate these high schoolers to continue down a path free of harmful substances.  

Everything is appreciated and all donations will be going straight to the cause.